There weren’t any late inning blowups Sunday when the Albert Lea American Legion baseball team took on Owatonna at Hayek Field, instead Post 56 stomped on the gas pedal late to earn a sweep over Owatonna.

The two teams last met in the section playoffs during where Owatonna beat Albert Lea twice. In the first meeting Albert Lea squandered a five-run lead to lose 13-10. Post 77 won the next day 7-4 and eventually advanced to the state tournament.

Post 56 was able to take advantage early in the first game with leadoff homer from Jordan Cooper as it went on to win 4-2. In the second game Albert Lea trailed through the first five innings and took a 2-1 lead after the fifth en route to an 8-3 win.

Pitching and defense were the difference for Albert Lea, said head Jack Kortan.

Post 56 got two qualities starts in each game as Colby Strilaeff and Cody Hansen turned in complete game victories.

Strilaeff allowed two run on six hits and struck out three for the win in the first game while Hansen limited Owatonna to three runs on five hits, only two runs were earned.

Post 77 scored an unearned run in the first to take the lead, but Hansen was able to keep Owatonna off the board.

Logan Kortan and Luke Grossman each went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead Albert Lea at the plate.

Albert Lea 4, Owatonna 2, Game 1

Owatonna 002 000 0 — 2 6 1

Albert Lea 202 000 x — 4 7 1

WP — Colby Strilaeff 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

LP — Tyler Smith 7 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Albert Lea 8, Owatonna 3, Game 2

Owatonna 100 000 2 — 3 5 1

Albert Lea 000 026 x — 8 8 1

WP — Cody Hansen 7 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K